Q&A with Michal Silver, Creative Director at Christopher Farr Cloth

Christopher Farr Cloth is well known for its playful and intellectual approach to design, and its hugely diverse range of fabrics in a palette of instantly recognizable hues. In this Q&A with Creative Director Michal Silver, we learn more about the brand, why quality is so important and Michal’s top tips for incorporating one of their designs in your home.

How would you describe Christopher Farr to someone new to the brand?

We produce collections of fabrics, wallpapers, trimmings and home accessories with renowned artists and designers from around the world. Our work is defined by art, design, and making and underpinned by a commitment to the finest materials, traditional craftsmanship, and innovative collaborations.

Christopher Farr has such a unique, lively approach to design – has this changed over the years?

Thank you. We do hold the same values as we had at the very beginning and that is to work with designers and artists that we are inspired by, and to launch collections only when they feel right. This grants us a sense of freedom to stay true to our core approach.

We know that you pride yourselves on the quality of your materials – do you think quality is the most important factor when it comes to interiors?

Absolutely, quality is so important and even more so today where we must strive to be less wasteful in our approach. We are always looking at ways to be more environmentally aware and by working with trusted partners who produce our collections using the finest materials, ensures our collections last.

Your brand is well-known for collaborating with some of the best artists and designers from all over the world – which has been your favorite collaboration & why?

We work with artists and designers that have an original voice regardless of time and geography. I am always keen to hear what they are interested in and then find a way to incorporate it into the collection. I love our collection in collaboration with the late British abstract artist Sandra Blow whose work I first became aware of about 15 years ago during a visit to a client's house.

I vividly remember walking into the room and being awestruck by this incredible piece of art on the walls, it was very much love at first sight. The colors and the sense of movement within her pieces are very powerful for me and I feel very privileged to be able to have the opportunity to capture that essence of her work within this collection.

We often hear of the term ‘writers’ block’, do you ever experience the same when it comes to design and if so, how do you get around it?

There are moments in the journey of creating a collection where we face challenges, for example, when working with an artist’s archives, as it is so imperative that we maintain the integrity of the original piece. Working so closely with our printers, who are based just outside of London, allows us to experiment and try different solutions. It is very much our laboratory and the team there have such a wealth of experience that they are excellent problem solvers.

Where do you take your inspiration from?

Everywhere and everything! I always have my eyes open to what is around me.

Do you have any advice or top tips for someone looking to incorporate one of your designs in their home?

I would always recommend bringing in an interior designer, they can really help to navigate a space and suggest a combination you may not have considered. If it is just one fabric or wallpaper you are choosing to refresh a space then ordering samples is a good place to start to see how they fit into the scheme; how the pattern and color works with the light. Our new showroom on the Kings Road in London has all our library on display, it’s a great place to browse to gather a feel for the designs you are most draw to.

Christopher Farr Cloth was launched way back in 2000, what are the biggest lessons you’ve learnt over the years?

So many lessons… and still learning! Where do I start? The biggest and most challenging lesson is being able to tell your story in an honest and authentic way, year after year with confidence, and without compromising your design integrity.

From talking to Michal, it's clear that she is passionate about sustainability and longevity as well as creating intriguing designs that keep the brand's values at heart. Explore the full range of fabrics and wallpapers, each collection expertly designed and crafted.

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